The Homemade Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Whipping up a delectable Panda Express orange chicken recipe at home might sound like a culinary challenge, but trust me, it’s totally doable.

Crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a vibrant, tangy sauce can now be yours without leaving your kitchen.

Restaurant-quality magic happens when you mix the right ingredients with a dash of confidence.

Forget expensive takeout and disappointing deliveries – this homemade version brings authentic flavors right to your plate.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of sweet, zesty, and savory notes that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Surprisingly simple techniques and common pantry staples are all you need to create this crowd-pleasing dish.

Let’s unlock the secret to making restaurant-style orange chicken that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Panda Express Orange Chicken So Tasty

• Craft Delicious Takeout: Recreate your favorite Panda Express dish right in your kitchen, bringing restaurant-quality flavors to your dining table without leaving home.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare this crowd-pleasing chicken recipe with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Customize Your Meal: Easily adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, creating a personalized dining experience every time.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Enjoy a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that provides the main protein for this homemade Panda Express-style dish.

• Eggs, Flour, Salt, Pepper: A classic breading mixture that creates a crispy and flavorful exterior for the chicken.

• Orange Juice, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Ginger, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil, Cornstarch: A harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that gives the orange chicken its signature taste and glossy finish.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil perfect for deep-frying the chicken to achieve a golden-brown and crispy texture.

• Optional Garnishes (Green Onions, Sesame Seeds): Adds visual appeal and extra layers of flavor to the final dish.

How to Cook Panda Express Orange Chicken

Step 1: Slice Chicken Chunks

Cut boneless chicken into small, uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare Coating Station

• Whisked eggs
• Seasoned flour mixture with
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Dredge Chicken Pieces

Dip each chicken chunk first into whisked eggs, then roll thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Fry Chicken Pieces

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place coated chicken pieces and fry until crispy and golden brown, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Turn pieces occasionally for even browning.

Step 5: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer fried chicken pieces onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil and maintain crispiness.

Step 6: Create Tangy Orange Sauce

• Fresh orange juice
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Minced ginger
• Crushed garlic
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil

Simmer ingredients over medium heat.

Step 7: Thicken Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.

Gradually pour into simmering sauce, stirring continuously until sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 8: Coat Chicken

Gently toss crispy fried chicken pieces in warm orange sauce until completely covered and glistening.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Transfer orange chicken to serving plate and enjoy hot with steamed rice.

Tips for Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking and better sauce coverage.
• Whisk eggs thoroughly to create a smooth, consistent coating that helps flour stick better to chicken.
• Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F for crispy, non-greasy chicken pieces that stay crunchy.
• Taste and adjust orange juice, soy sauce, and sugar ratios to create perfect sweet-tangy balance.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to sauce to prevent lumps and ensure smooth thickening.

Variations for Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or cornstarch for coating. Use gluten-free soy sauce.
• Air Fryer Option: Coat chicken pieces and air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for crispy texture.
• Healthier Baked Variation: Spray chicken with cooking oil, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, then toss in sauce for lower-fat alternative.

Pairings for Panda Express Orange Chicken

Select a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the orange chicken’s tangy flavors, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.

Create a light cucumber and green onion salad with rice vinegar dressing to balance the dish’s sweet and spicy profile, providing a refreshing contrast.

Roast broccoli or snap peas with sesame seeds, offering a green vegetable side that adds nutritional value and textural interest to the meal.

Brew fresh ginger tea or grab a ginger ale to enhance the recipe’s ginger notes, supporting the dish’s complex flavor palette.

Proper Storage for Panda Express Orange Chicken

• Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• How do I ensure the chicken is crispy when frying?

Dredge chicken pieces in egg wash and seasoned flour, then fry in hot oil at 350-375°F. Make sure oil is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain crispiness.

• Can I make this recipe healthier?

Use an air fryer instead of deep-frying, use less oil, and opt for low-sodium soy sauce. You can also use skinless chicken breast for a leaner protein option.

• What if I can't find rice vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work as substitutes. They’ll provide similar tangy notes to the sauce while maintaining the recipe’s overall flavor profile.

Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe At Home

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Panda Express orange chicken’s zesty magic right from your kitchen, bringing Chinese-American takeout dreams to life. Crispy chicken pieces glazed in tangy-sweet sauce promise a restaurant-quality feast you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating and Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 piece fresh ginger

Cooking:

• 2 cups vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes for consistent cooking and easy eating.
2. Prepare two separate shallow dishes: one with beaten eggs and another with seasoned flour mixture containing salt and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg wash, ensuring complete coverage, then roll in the seasoned flour to create a crispy exterior.
4. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet, heating to 350°F for optimal frying temperature.
5. Carefully place flour-coated chicken pieces into hot oil, frying until exterior turns golden brown and crispy, approximately 6-8 minutes.
6. Transfer fried chicken onto paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
7. In a separate saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, crushed garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil over medium heat.
8. Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then gradually whisk into the sauce to achieve a thick, glossy consistency.
9. Continue cooking sauce until it becomes bubbly and reaches a smooth, coating texture.
10. Gently fold fried chicken pieces into the prepared orange sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly and thoroughly coated.

Notes

• Perfectly cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use a cornstarch and flour blend for extra crispy coating that stays crunchy even after adding sauce.
• Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and accommodate dietary restrictions more effectively.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or rice flour and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg